Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 20 and Psalm 119:33-64

In 1 Kings 20, the northern kingdom of Israel was still under the rule of the weak and compromising King Ahab and his murderous wife, Jezebel. Israel came under attack by King Ben-Hadad of Syria. After initially cowering in submission, Ahab took counsel and then showed uncharacteristic, God-given boldness in resisting Ben-Hadad, sending him a “don’t count your chickens before they hatch” message: “One who puts on his armour should not boast like one who takes it off.” (v.11) This act of resistance led to war. But it also triggered God’s amazingly merciful intervention on behalf of an evil king and his apostate people. Despite Israel’s repeated rejection of Yahweh as their God, He repeatedly acted in miraculous kindness to deliver them.

David Guzik comments: “Israel’s hardened idolatry and rejection of God deserved divine abandonment. God had every right to just leave them alone and let them perish without His help. Yet God is rich in mercy, and He showed that mercy to Ahab and Israel.” Through an unnamed prophet, God directed Ahab’s strategy in both the wars that followed. He delivered Israel, first on the mountains, and then on the plains, showing that Yahweh is Lord of all the earth and not some territorial god of the hills! And what a gracious God the LORD is!

The chapter ends by reporting Ahab’s continued failure as the king of God’s people. Despite God’s miraculous deliverance, Ahab entered an ill-advised, politically-motivated treaty with the defeated king. He acted to strengthen his position in the region (humanly speaking). He gained a human ally in any future conflicts or wars, despite already having the only ally he needed, God! Despite God’s recent mercy and faithfulness, Ahab chose a human ally over God. He acted in prideful arrogance as if he had won the victory for himself. No wonder the LORD sent a prophet to deliver a stinging rebuke to Ahab! And Ahab returned to his capital city of Samaria, characteristically sulking like a spoilt brat at the rebuke God had delivered.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and kindness towards me. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to respond to the Father’s forgiveness and saving work by constant, loving submission. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.